Review impact of most recent policies on Broadband and internet infrastructure have had to allow for a more inclusive use of the internet.

⦁ Topic:
Digitalisation a mechanism for Inclusion or Exclusion Across Great Britain: Improvements Accomplished since publication of Phillips et al “Patters, Policies and Scenarios for connecting the final few in Rural Communities Across Great Britain” – Journal of Rural Studies 2017.
⦁ Introduction
“In this paper it has been argued that for the ordinary citizen easy, ready access to online services is becoming a matter of major import, not just something which is nice to have. The Internet is becoming embedded in society so rapidly that it is becoming a default medium for anyone wishing to provide information, to perform transactions, to create civic engagement” Warren (2007)

On the 25th of February 2015, Lorna Phillips et al submitted a research paper to the Journal of Rural Studies about the “The digital divide: Patterns, Policy and scenarios for connecting the ‘final few’ in rural communities across Great Britain.” It was revised and submitted on the 15th November 2016 and was available on line on the 17th January 2017.
The first line of the introduction to the paper state
“For many, it is difficult to imagine life without digital modes of communication” Phillip et al (2017)
Indeed, communication utilising digital methods is the means by which many stay in touch with family, friends, and gather informal and communicate with national and international government and businesses. Digital communication is the life blood of communities and nations.

Within the paper, according to the office of National Statistics, in 2014 nearly 16% of households where not on line; Appendix 1 shows that by 2015 the number had decreased to 14% and Appendix 2 shows a systematic decline in numbers that by 2018 the figure was 10%.
This statistical reduction from 16 % to 10% in 4 years show a marked increase in digital participation.

A summary of the conclusion arrived at by this research paper in 2015 are as follows:
⦁ The analysis of Ofcom infrastructure data provided evidence of “urban -rural digital divide” in the United Kingdom such as digital infrastructure inequalities impacting on professional, personal and businesses lives in deep rural areas -an exclusion from participating equally in those areas of life.
⦁ In addition, due to infrastructural issues, day to day activities and transactions expected of business, households and individuals driven by businesses and government are impeded as result of this digital exclusion in urbans and rural areas
⦁ Internet Service Providers are motivated by profitability, consequently, this infrastructure issue is more likely to persist for a considerable period or in the long run remain until alternative solution can be found for them.
⦁ Phillip et al suggested a number of potential options which would be require to help resolve this urban-rural digital divide/ exclusion for example, exploration of ”none fixed connection such as satellite and wireless”, community led incentive which should form part of national and international policy; geographical and individual social-technical capabilities, rescoping potential collaboration models between public sector and commercial service providers i.e. public private financial agreement or provision of industrial expertise.
⦁ Technological advancements to help impact internet downloading speed
⦁ Finally, digital proofing policy to ensure effective intervention in future infrastructure development was suggested.

The aim of my project would be to replicate this paper reviewing the three main aim:
⦁ Reflection on the digital exclusion and inclusion in England, Scotland and Wales based on the analysis on most recently available data – 2018 published by Ofcom – UK Telecommunication Regulator.
⦁ Review the current implication of digital inclusion and exclusion infrastructure for 1 remote and 1 rural parts of Wales
⦁ Review impact of most recent policies on Broadband and internet infrastructure have had to allow for a more inclusive use of the internet.